The Mercian Trust

Life to the full in the business of education

The Mercian Trust is a group of schools working together under a common banner and an over-arching structure of governance, but retaining their autonomy as custodians of their unique heritage, distinct identity and successful operation. Our Trust’s name is both rooted in history and expresses a geographical identity and ambition. Mercia was an ancient kingdom comprising Cheshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and, crucially for us, what we now call the Black Country.

It was in Mercia that St Chad established an association of small monasteries which fostered unity through bonds of kinship. We intend, a thousand years later, to adopt the same spirit in our approach to a Multi-Academy Trust. Pupils in the Mercian Trust will be part of a family of schools forming an educational community. We are convinced that we are stronger together. The MAT is already shaping the educational landscape in exciting ways; every pupil in the Trust will be part of that story.

Our Mission

To provide the best education and life chances for the children and young people of Walsall.

The Mercian Trust brings together different schools catering for a wide range of individual needs into one Multi-Academy Trust in order to offer the broadest and best education to all pupils regardless of their socio-economic, cultural or ethnic background.
Leveraging the strengths of the participating schools, Mercian Trust pupils will be able to access the advantages and opportunities that each school brings – in teaching, leadership, breadth of curriculum, facilities, enrichment activities and community engagement.

The MAT will equip all pupils to live life to the full, enabling them to:

Realise their potential

Thrive in the world of work

Make a positive contribution to the local, national and international community

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Mercian Trust is to maintain good and outstanding schools and ensure the rapid improvement of schools which need support. We will enable the sharing of best practice and realise economies of scale across the group of academies. Our collaboration allows us to deliver the opposite of a one-size-fits-all education. The range of schools in the Mercian Trust will allow us to develop, challenge and support each individual in the most appropriate way for them.

Sharing our resources across the MAT brings advantage in the quality of teaching and leadership, pastoral care and coaching, and the range of opportunity and experience. Our economies of scale allow us to improve and extend our offer rather than having to reduce our provision at a time of cuts in funding. The combination of selective, comprehensive, Studio and free schools allows pupils to access the form of education that offers the best fit for them. Our commitment is to develop and equip them, building strong foundations to enable them to explore all the opportunities that life will bring them.

Diversity underpins this Trust.

Seamless collaboration is what makes it work.

Our Values

Opportunity and community

Excellence and rigour

Challenge and support

Safety and well-being

Acceptance and applause

Our Objectives

A distinctive ethos

The Mercian Trust will have a distinct identity which will be recognised locally, nationally and internationally and which will promote a sense of belonging, family and community.

A drive for excellence

We will have high expectations of everyone involved in the MAT and encourage them to realise their full potential.

A big dream for every individual

Employees will enjoy the challenge of working in our schools and speak highly of the MAT. We will be seen as an outstanding employer by people working within the organisation. Pupils will participate in enrichment opportunities that will help forge their character as well as prepare them for a fulfilling career. We will applaud them as they do so.

A dynamic enterprise

We will foster a sense of excitement by being willing to take risks. We will engage in projects that are daring, memorable and transformational.

A demonstrable effectiveness

The MAT will be a lean and efficient organisation. It will provide high quality support without incurring exorbitant cost.

Realising potential. Thriving in the world of work. Contributing to the community. Life to the full in the business of education.